The second phase of panchayat elections in the state witnessed intense competition, with candidates reportedly spending lavishly to win over voters. On Sunday, while polling for sarpanch and ward member positions was underway, reports emerged of cash, alcohol, and other gifts being distributed to villagers to influence voting patterns. Observers noted that candidates were leaving no stone unturned to boost voter turnout in their favor.
In Patancheru mandal of Sangareddy district, a sarpanch candidate reportedly spent around ₹17 crore, distributing ₹40,000 per voter in three installments. Some female voters were also given silver glasses and small gold jewelry. In a village with 780 households, the candidate allegedly spent ₹4 crore just on alcohol and nearly ₹1 crore on meals during the eight-day election campaign.
Similar trends were reported across Rangareddy district, where sarpanch candidates in major village panchayats spent between ₹3 crore and ₹5 crore on voters. In Chevella division, villages like Chevella, Shankarpalli, Moinabad, and Shabad saw candidates distributing cash ranging from ₹3,000 to ₹15,000 per voter. Strong competition in general and BC general seats pushed candidates to increase their spending significantly.
In Nalgonda, Khammam, Bhadradri Kothagudem, Mahabubnagar, and Gadwal districts, candidates provided cash, alcohol, meat, sarees, and other gifts, with per-voter spending ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹15,000. Some candidates even constructed temporary structures to host election campaigns in villages where they did not own property. These practices reflect a deep monetization of local elections.
In Nirmal and Adilabad districts, silver rings were distributed as part of voter inducements. Across Karimnagar, Peddapalli, Rajanna Sirisilla, Mancherial, and Kumram Bheem Asifabad districts, candidates reportedly spent up to ₹2,000 per voter, further highlighting the extreme measures taken to influence election outcomes. The widespread distribution of cash and gifts raises concerns about electoral integrity and the manipulation of voters in rural areas.